The local newscasts seen across The E.W. Scripps Co.‘s broadcast TV stations have evolved significantly since Dean Littleton assumed a leadership role previously held by Brian Lawlor. Under Littleton’s command, hiring of print journalists seeking a career transition has become a priority; market leadership roles have evolved in locales including San Luis Obispo, Calif.
Now, Scripps has turned to the individual leading its Las Vegas stations since 2022 to serve in the new role of VP/Local News, reporting to President of News Kate O’Brian.
Starting June 10, Jeff Kiernan will work alongside O’Brian in the elevated role.
Specifically, Kiernan will oversee Scripps’ local news content strategy alongside O’Brian.
Kiernan in July 2022 became VP/GM of KTNV-13, Scripps’ ABC affiliate in Las Vegas, and unaffiliated sibling KMCC-TV following Scripps’ acquisition of the property. Before that, he served for some 18 months as Senior Director of news at WXYZ-7 and WMYD-20, Scripps’ ABC affiliate and independent local television stations in Detroit. Prior to that role, Kiernan led the newsroom at WTMJ-4, Scripps’ local television station in Milwaukee.
His resume also includs stints at CBS O&Os WBBM-2 in Chicago, WBZ-2 in Boston and WCCO-4 in Minneapolis.
“Scripps’ priority is to create the best possible local and national journalism for American audiences,” said O’Brian. “As we continue to evolve our stations’ delivery of local news to serve today’s audiences, Jeff’s years of experience implementing content and editorial strategy in newsrooms across the country make him an ideal leader to help guide our local newsrooms.”
Kiernan’s promotion follows Scripps’ February announcement that the company was moving the responsibilities for local and national news strategy into one organizational structure, led by O’Brian. Kiernan joins Scripps News VP Christina Hartman and Court TV VP Ethan Nelson as part of O’Brian’s news enterprise leadership team under the new structure.
Scripps VP/Regional GM Anita Helt will serve as the interim GM for the Las Vegas stations.
